Benriach – 10 Year Old (70cl, 43%)

This is a 10 year old Speyside single malt from Benriach, bottled at 43% in a 70cl bottle. It is unpeated, so the fruit and malt of the distillate stay in front. The whisky is matured in a mix of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, which add oak spice and some depth without covering the fruit. It was bottled under Master Blender Rachel Barrie, as part of Benriach's modern chapter. The nose is light and fresh, with apple, pear, vanilla, malt biscuit and a little citrus zest. On the palate come green apples, honeyed malt, soft oak spice and toasted hazelnuts. The finish is clean, with gentle spice, creamy vanilla and a touch of lemon peel.